Trenton

VITALE-KARCHER BILL TO OFFER OUTPATIENT DIALYSIS FOR UNINSURED APPROVED

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Ellen Karcher which would require ambulatory care facilities in New Jersey to provide uncompensated outpatient renal dialysis services for uninsured, low-income people was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 34-0.

"More than 1.3 million New Jerseyans are currently living without even the most basic health care coverage," said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. "Without insurance, minor medical conditions can seem like emergencies, and even life-saving procedures like renal dialysis can be out of reach for those who need it. This measure would ensure that, even for those New Jerseyans without insurance, anyone who need dialysis treatments to survive will have access."

"Dialysis is not an elective medical procedure, but a necessary, life-sustaining treatment for people living with renal disease and kidney problems," said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer, the Vice Chair of the Committee. "We need to ensure that economics or the lack of health insurance do not contribute to New Jerseyans foregoing medically necessary treatment. Dialysis is not a luxury for the wealthy, but a medical procedure that's necessary for people of all economic backgrounds."

FOR RELEASE: Immediate
Feb. 22, 2007

FULL SENATE APPROVES CODEY PROPOSAL TO ERASE DISCRIMINATORY AND INSENSITIVE CONSTITUTIONAL LANGUAGE

TRENTON -- The full Senate today approved a measure sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) that would erase more than 150 years of discrimination in New Jersey's constitution by removing insensitive and discriminatory language that currently bars certain groups from voting rights. The Senate voted unanimously to approve SCR-134, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would replace the language that currently reads: "No idiot or insane person should enjoy the right of suffrage."

ASSEMBLY OK'S VAN DREW/ALBANO BILL TO PENALIZE BANDS THAT FALSELY ADVERTISE THEIR AUTHENTICITY

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed legislation Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew and Nelson Albano sponsored to penalize tribute bands or other musical groups caught falsely advertising their authenticity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Gregory Andres
February 22, 2007 973-909-4490

Wolf or Sheep?
No matter how the Governor dresses it, this year's budget
still proves dangerous to New Jersey's taxpayers

(MONTVILLE, NJ) - 26th District Assembly candidate Larry Casha issued the following statement in response to Governor Corzine's Budget Address:

"While Governor Corzine's budget address painted a rosy picture of his efforts to keep the budget in control, we all know better. This year's budget is, at the very least, a wolf in sheep's clothing. Sure, it looks safe and sounds great, but at what cost?

"Once again, the Governor, like so many of his predecessors, is using carefully crafted gimmicks to win votes and allow members of his dual office holding party to keep the status quo in place. In fact, even the Governor himself admitted that the budget outlook for next year is bleak and isn't sure how property tax relief will be paid for in coming years. That is unless we sell the Turnpike, State Lottery, or other state asset to a private entity.

"There isn't a financial advisor in the world that would advocate for a client to sell his furniture simply to pay his mortgage. Why? Because it just doesn't make sense.

"Let's not forget that this is the same Governor, aided by the same Democratic legislature that raised taxes on many services and proposed raising taxes on hospital beds and water just last year! And, now, for the first time in our state’s history, the budget, with a 7.2% increase, has ballooned to over $33 BILLION!

"Part of the problem in our ever-increasing budgets are the so-called 'Christmas tree amendments' that, last year, saw $350 million in last minute budget increases. I urge the Democratic leadership to stop these legislative initiatives that have pushed our budget to historic levels.

"Enough is enough! This annual ritual of pork barrel spending leaves little assistance for local towns in the form of state aid, which is crucial to helping control property taxes and fund erroneous state mandates. As a Kinnelon Councilman, I established a proven record of fiscal conservatism by keeping property taxes flat for three consecutive years - and it's that record of being a taxpayer guardian that voters expect and which I want to bring to the table with Assemblyman DeCroce in Trenton."

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www.CashaforAssembly.org
Paid for by Casha for Assembly, Richard Clawson Treasurer

ASSEMBLY CLEARS GUSCIORA BILL TO
HONOR FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEGISLATORS
Measure Would Recognize Contributions of African American Trailblazers

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) to honor New Jersey's first African-American legislators -- Senator Hutchins F. Inge (D-Newark) and Assemblyman Walter Gilbert Alexander (R-Orange).

GREENSTEIN: CORZINE BUDGET DELIVERS GOOD NEWS
FOR CENTRAL JERSEY'S SCHOOLS AND WORKING FAMILIES

(TRENTON) -- Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer) today released the following statement regarding Governor Jon S. Corzine's proposed Fiscal Year 2008 state budget:

FISHER APPLAUDS GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL
TO DOUBLE EARNED-INCOME TAX CREDIT CUTOFF
Proposed $40,000 Cutoff Would Give a State Tax Cut
To 300,000 Additional Working Families

(TRENTON) -- Assemblyman Doug Fisher today praised Governor Jon Corzine's proposal to ease the eligibility requirements for the state's earned-income tax credit (EITC) program to allow an additional 300,000 low-income and working families to qualify for the tax credit.

BURZICHELLI: GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL
A STRONG START

(TRENTON) -- Assemblyman John Burzichelli, an Assembly Deputy Speaker and member of the budget committee, today called the Fiscal Year 2008 budget unveiled by Governor Jon S. Corzine a "strong start" to the annual budget cycle.

SENATOR VITALE RESPONSE TO FY2008 BUDGET ADDRESS

TRENTON - Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, issued the following statement regarding Governor Corzine's FY 2008 Budget Address:

"Governor Corzine's proposed budget, while increasing property tax assistance and meeting mandated cost increases, unfortunately does not have a lot of room for new investment in worthwhile programs. However, he mentioned that he remains committed to changing the paradigm of mandated expenses, and is looking for ways to fund universal health care.

WATSON COLEMAN: CORZINE BUDGET BRINGS REAL RELIEF, REAL FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY TO NJ RESIDENTS

(TRENTON) - Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today praised Governor Jon S. Corzine for presenting a fiscally responsible budget that provides record sums of property tax relief and a sorely needed increase in state aid for local public schools. Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) released the following statement: